How will France line up at the World Cup, and how should they?
By Harvey Cruz
Blessed with incredible depth and talent, France enter the 2018 World Cup as one of the favorites. How will they line up?
After losing in the final at Euro 2016, France are hoping to go one better in Russia this summer. Didier Deschamps is on the hot seat to deliver after failing two summers ago. Since then, Les Bleus have cultivated one of best squads in the world. Let’s look at the question marks surrounding the team, and how the starting XI will look when they face Australia in their first group stage game.
Giroud or Dembele with Griezmann and Mbappe in attack?
Deschamps opted for a 4-2-3-1 during Euro 2016 with Olivier Giroud the lone striker and Antoine Griezmann behind him as the number 10. The emergence of Kylian Mbappe has led to a slight tweak to that system, with Mbappe and Griezmann playing off Giroud in a more flexible 4-3-3/4-3-2-1. That seemed, until the past couple of weeks, like it would be the plan heading into the World Cup.
The international friendlies leading up to the World Cup may have changed things. Against Italy, Deschamps opted for a 4-3-3 with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele either side of Griezmann in a 4-3-3. They won 3-1 and Dembele was fantastic, capping off the night with a sublime goal. In their most recent friendly, Deschamps brought Giroud back into the lineup in a much less impressive 1-1 draw against the U.S. men’s national team that also saw Giroud get a nasty head injury.
Deschamps still seems unsure about the shape his team should operate in, but the 4-3-3 looks like the way to go. That would mean utilizing the pace, directness and ambidextrous feet of Dembele, which’ll help the team on the counter-attack and when pressing opponents. On the opposite flank will be Mbappe, with Griezmann as the central striker. Giroud is a nice option, and provides the sort of hold-up play no one else in the squad can, but he can also stifle the pace and creativity of his younger teammates.
What role will Pogba play, and who will partner him in midfield?
If Paul Pogba wasn’t such an incredibly gifted player, he might have been left off the plane to Russia. He was subpar for Manchester United in 2017-18, having difficulty playing in a deeper role under Jose Mourinho. Then again, he’s so good, he’s nearly untouchable, and will most likely play as a box-to-box midfielder for France.
In attack, Pogba will have freedom to roam around and pick out pockets of space to operate. He’ll add a creative spark when he’s on the ball, but who should play with him in midfield?
N’Golo Kante will be key for France, with his incredible work rate and ability to get the ball off the opposition. He’ll be the holding midfielder, while the third midfield slot is up for grabs. Corentin Tolisso enjoyed a fantastic debut season for Bayern Munich, and could stake a claim. Thomas Lemar had an underwhelming season for Monaco, but his attacking prowess and ability to get forward could see him start a group game. But the favorite will be Blaise Matuidi, with his drive and ability to work as a second box-to-box midfielder capable of holding and getting forward.
Injuries and inexperience lie in defense
When Laurent Koscielny went down with injury late in the season, it was a massive blow for the French defense. Gone was his experience and leadership on a back line that is lacking both. Benjamin Pavard was a surprise call-up, and at 22 only adds to the experience.
Raphael Varane (25) and Samuel Umtiti (24), who are expected to start at center-back, are both sensational, but may also be tired after going through lengthy campaigns with Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. And that’s not to mention the friendlies they played leading up to the World Cup. Adil Rami adds veteran presence at 32, while Presnel Kimpembe is a quick and tall and slightly raw defender from Paris Saint-Germain.
Benjamin Mendy has returned to the side, but there are still concerns about his fitness after he missed most of the season with an ACL tear. Djibril Sidibe, expected to start at right-back, also lacks experience at this level, though at 25 he’s one of the elder statesmen at the back. Lucas Hernandez was exceptional at both left-back and center-back for Atletico Madrid this season and could see more game-time should Mendy’s succumb to fitness issues. Look for the full-backs to push high up the pitch, overlap and create chances crossing balls into the box.
Overall, it’s an incredibly stacked team with enough depth to cover all positions. A deep run in the tournament is the minimum requirement, but inexperience could cost them.